City crews are working tonight (Thursday, March 4) to contain wastewater spilling from a 66-inch pressurized sewer line that ruptured 20 feet underground at the Sand Island State Park.

The spill was first reported at about 9:00 a.m. this morning.The pressurized line, technically referred to as a “force main,” transports raw sewage from the Ala Moana Wastewater Pump Station to the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.No estimate was available at this report on the total quantity of sewage spilled.

There are two force mains that run under Honolulu Harbor from the Ala Moana Pump Station. Much of the flow has been diverted to that second force main, a 52-inch line, and this will minimize the amount of sewage from the ruptured line.Residual sewage from the ruptured line, however, continues to leak out of the ground.Seven pumper trucks are at the scene to intercept the spillage and minimize sewage from reaching Honolulu Harbor.City crews and a private contractor are on the job to repair the leak as well as install an interim line to pump the surface spill from a temporary detention basin to the Sand Island plant.

The State Department of Health has been notified of the incident.Warning signs have been posted from Point Panic to Keehi Lagoon.Affected waters will be tested for contamination.